The Council of Elders in the pre-colonial political institutions of West Africa best served on the Council as

Analyze the question: It asks about the role of the Council of Elders in pre-colonial West African political systems (e.g., Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa-Fulani, Akan). What did the elders best serve as on the Council?

Concept: In pre-colonial West African states, the king, chief, or Oba did not rule alone. The Council of Elders (such as the Oyo Mesi in Oyo, or the lineage and village heads among the Igbo and Akan) was made up of heads of families, lineages, quarters, and clans. They were chosen because each one spoke for the people of his own family or community. Their main functions were:

• Advising the ruler
• Checking abuse of power
• Helping make laws and settle disputes
• Voicing the opinions and interests of their people in government

Step-by-step evaluation of the options:

• A. Warriors of the state: Defence was the job of the army and war leaders (e.g., the Are-Ona-Kakanfo in Oyo), not the Council of Elders as such. Wrong.
• B. Go-between the gods and the people: This was the role of priests and the diviners (e.g., the Ifa priests), or of the king as a sacred figure. Wrong.
• C. Custodians of the wealth of the state: Treasury and tribute were handled by specific officials, not the Council as a body. Wrong.
• D. Representative of the commoners: Elders were heads of lineages and communities, so they brought the views, complaints, and interests of ordinary people to the ruler. This fits the Council's function. Correct.

Exam tip: Link "Council of Elders" with the words advise, check the king, and represent the people. Link "priests" with the gods, "army" with warriors, and "treasury officials" with wealth. WASSCE often tests this by swapping roles between institutions, so match each role to the right group.